You can now draw on your Glitter Film with our fabulous range of Pintor Pens! Find out all about it in our latest video with Jon.
Glitter Film: https://goo.gl/AKwX63
Pintor Pens: https://goo.gl/777Mgk
Mad As A Raggedy Eared Hare
I
n the Spring I popped in my newest sample to the shop – Raggedy Eared Hare. He’s a cheeky wee chap with a jaunty scarf and beautifully textured ears caught in the wind. He proved so popular in the office that we had to add an extra session in for all of the staff and tutors to have a go.
It was a great day and at the end of it, as you can see, each hare is totally individual with little tweaks such as straw hats and bows in their hair.
Joy wasn’t very happy with the colour she created on her scarf and we couldn’t have her going home disappointed so we worked together to redo the colouring – this is actually really easy to do and one of the many wonders of Powertex.
I wonder if any of the hares have found their final homes on doorsteps and beside flowerbeds yet?
Like what you see. Follow this link to learn more about up and coming Powertex classes. The next Ragged Eared Hare is in September. Not long to go.
Purple Boots x
Sewell & Savill Experience
What an amazing day! Jon, Beccs and I joined two other ladies in a class with Laura from Sewell & Savill using embroidery machines. We sell embroidery machines here at Tudor Rose Patchwork and although we knew the basics, we really didn’t know how wide a range of techniques there are and how many different things can be made so simply.
I’ve been blown away by how much an embroidery machine can do. We looked at 10 different projects. We made a fancy button hole, complex designs using metallic threads, we discovered the tricks of the trade for lettering. We used embroidery designs to quilt, we learnt how to make a log cabin pattern. We made lace flowers and attached them to our sampler cushion. We explored applique and created a pretty reverse applique adding sequin embellishments. We made chenille trim and a decorative pattern using eyelets.
The whole day was a lovely experience. Not just because we were learning from a highly experienced tutor. The day was run in easy sessions broken up with tea and biscuits, a nice lunch – although we did find it hard to tear ourselves away from the machines. And just when we were starting to flag, we were treated to tea and cake.
Not only do you get everything during the day, but Laura sends all the tips and tricks to you by email so you have them to refer back to at your leisure.
If you have any questions at all, whether it be about buying an embroidery machine or attending a class with Laura to learn how to do more with a machine you already own, please get in touch. You can visit us in store, give us a call on 01234 824983 or email us on info@tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk
Click here to see more about Laura’s classes.
Meet Mr Raggedy-Eared Hare
I have been guilty of some skip diving this week! I was invited though. A friend is clearing her house ready to move and I have come away with a bag of t-shirts a stack of picture frames and all sorts of other bits and bobs to recycle into Powertex wonders. She was even throwing out some Christmas decorations so that’s got my head thinking of a ‘Christmas in a day’ class where we will use a range of techniques to create a set of Christmas items to include a wreath, a bauble and a decoration of some sort. Its all whirling around in my head but first….figures!
I have had a LOT of fun over the Easter break working with my daughter on some new Powertex ideas. I have also been trying hard to come up with a way to use Powertex that doesn’t involve getting covered in it. I personally love the feeling of working with my hands covered and daubs on my cheeks but I know its not for everyone. Watch out for an amazing Seahorse class. This project can be created with a brush. I can’t guarantee NO MESS but there will be less.
So my daughter and I created the Raggedy Eared Hare which will be coming to a Tudor Rose Classroom in the autumn. Here’s a cheeky peek of his little face!
More about him later though.
In the coming months I have three classes which will teach you how to make beautiful sculptures for you gardens just in time for a few days of the British summer. I have created a seated figure that would look superb amongst your flower beds or kneeling by a tree. I also have a standing figure class which could be a Halloween sculpture too if witches and ghouls are your thing.
The last of my new classes is the Fantastic Fairy. You may have seen my Bronzed angel in the store last year, well my fairy is a more delicate version of the angel and is currently sitting on top of our display cabinets guarding the coffee shop.
We will be using ivory Powertex and subtle colours to highlight all of the gorgeous textures in the fabrics that make the figure.
Why not come along and have a calm day making with all of the mess cleared away by yours truly? One of our lovely customers told me her most recent class was the most relaxed she has been in ages which is exactly how I would like you all to feel after a day in the studio. What’s stopping you?
Purple Boots
Pilot’s New Pintor Paint Pens
We’ve recently got a whole range of amazing new pens in the shop, and we’ve had a lot of fun experimenting! Pilot Pintor water based paint pens are so versatile and can be applied to almost any surface they come in two tip sizes: medium and fine, and a wide range of 24 vibrant colours including metallic and pastel shades.
Basics:
- To prime the tip, shake the pen about 20 times prior to use (with the cap on firmly) and then press the tip of the pen 3-4 times onto paper until the ink flows.
- These pens are not refillable
- Store pen with tip facing upwards
- To avoid getting paint on your iron whilst fixing the designs (for some materials see reverse), use a scrap piece of fabric OR grease proof paper between the iron and your creation.
- We have found that the Black pen tends to spread more than the other colours. The metallic range of pens does appear to spread the least.
Drawing on different materials:
Porcelain/ Glass & Frosted Glass – for best results apply 2 coats; allow the first coat to dry before applying the second. Once you have completed the design put the item in the oven at 160C for 50 minutes. Best compatibility with metallic colours.
100% Cotton/ Linen– apply 1 coat smoothly, Iron at low temperature without steam to fix the design. The ink will sink in easily and will spread because of the fabrics fibres. However we at Tudor Rose Patchwork have had great success applying this product to cotton and other fabrics. We do advise using a piece of paper behind the fabric to ensure you do not mark any other surfaces.
Polyester/ Satin Fabric– apply 1 coat smoothly. The ink will sink in easily and will spread because of the fabrics fibres. We at Tudor Rose Patchwork have found that on this fabric the ink tends to spread more than with other fabrics. We do advise using a piece of paper behind the fabric to ensure you do not mark any other surfaces.
Glitter Film – These pens can be used in conjunction with the Glitter film range. Apply 1 coat and allow to dry on its own for a few minutes before re-ironing to fix the design.
Popeline/ Delicate Fabric –To avoid blotting trace contours and colour progressively with the tip of the pen. We do advise using a piece of paper behind the fabric to ensure you do not mark any other surfaces.
Leather – Apply 2 coats for best vibrancy and coverage.
Blackboard – The marker will apply easily to blackboards. The marker will not be permanent on a blackboard and can be washed off easily using a wet sponge and lukewarm water. However if the blackboard is damaged or scratched it may be more difficult to remove.
Metal / Plastic – Apply 2 layers, allow the first layer to dry before going over it.
Wood – Sand down the wood beforehand to ensure a smooth surface.
Polystyrene/ Paper / Card – Apply 1-2 layers dependant on desired vibrancy, no fixing required.
Mineral / Stone – Apply 1-2 layers dependant on desired colour vibrancy. If this is for outdoor use apply varnish to finish.
You can find some great tutorials over on the Pilot Pinter website, and don’t forget to check out our range of colours 🙂
New Powertex Workshops!!
Another super Powertex class today. We had a group of complete beginners who have created some beautiful pieces and gone home totally inspired. Lots of the gang created steampunk pieces and have incorporated some great little details using old watch parts and recycled keys. Powertex is a fantastic way to recycle all those knick knacks you no longer have a use for. We also have some more beautiful ethereal samples made with butterflies and bows. As you can see the pieces are all totally individual and have been coloured according to all the individual tastes of the artists. Even better Powertex is totally weather proof so these pieces can be used to embellish a garden fence or exterior wall.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the work this talented bunch do at home and inspiring them again at one of the up and coming Powertex courses here at Tudor Rose. We’ve got three amazing new Powertex workshops coming up where you can try your hand at making a seated figure, a standing figure, and a fantastic fairy which would make a lovely summer addition to your garden.
Find the details and booking for the seated and standing figures here. Booking for the Fantastic Fairy isn’t open yet, but watch this space!!
Star Buys Offers till 13th March 2018
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Powertex Inspiration
It has been six months since I went off to train at Powertex Towers and it is lovely to see some of my new students applying their skills. Take a look at these fantastic pieces from Jean who has been so inspired by Powertex that she is now working in a wide range of colours and finishes.
Jean is planning on a range of green men that represent the changing of the four seasons. Because Powertex is completely weather proof she can use her finished pieces in her garden throughout the year. She has started with white Powertex and incorporated lichen and berries to bring her winter green man to life. Next Jean has dabbled with mixing the shades of Powertex to create subtle green tones that she has then gone to town embellishing with rich coppers and bronzes. Look at all the found items she has managed to incorporate in to her pieces. I’m looking forward to seeing the other two in the series.
If Jean has captured your imagination and you would like a piece like this for your garden remember Powertex is completely weather proof. There are a range of courses available using a variety of techniques and colourways. You can view more of our Workshops, Classes and Groups here.
Beginner Dressmakers at the ready!!
Three Days, New Clothes! with Linda Radley on Saturday 10th February, 10th March and 14th April
Make 3 different clothing items on three different days with Linda helping you create a complete outfit and bringing some freshness to your wardrobe.
You will make:
- A skirt on 10th February
- A top for Summer on 10th March
- A jacket to finish the outfit on 14th April
Linda will guide you to achieve the best fit and look for you, along with lots of helpful tips throughout the three days.
You can chose from a selection of patterns – which can be purchased from Tudor Rose Patchwork in advance of the course and at a 20% discount!
The patterns recommended by Linda are:
M6654 – a classic
skirt in stretch fabric
M6927 – Simple top
M7059, M6970 and M7368 – a selection of skirts, tops, and easy-to-wear jackets.
There is a wide range of fabric suitable for the McCalls patterns available at Tudor Rose Patchwork, however the type of fabric you can use may be impacted by it’s suitability for the chosen pattern.
At the end of the three days you will have a completed, new outfit, have met lots of new people and really enjoyed your time with Linda.
Each day will run from 10am to 4pm. Book a place here.
Sculpting with Powertex
My first foray into Powertex work was a sculpture of a figure so this week I have been dabbling in the human form. I am trying to use different ways to build the armature for my pieces so this was an experiment into the wonders of kitchen roll tubes and foil. With a bundle of masking tape it was all getting very Blue Peter.
Once I had created a kneeling form that I was happy with I started bringing it all together with lots of old, natural fabrics and a healthy dollop of trusty Powertex. I love seeing the way the fabrics take on the shape of the armature and drape so that the clothing takes place. I especially like giving my figures hoods as I like the mystery they create so this figure is no exception.
Powertex is a great way to use old, stained linens so here I have incorporated some lace and even a few charms for effect. The feather charms we have in store at the moment are my favourite and find their way into lots of my work.
I was going for the bronze statue look with this piece and focused on some metallic tones to achieve this end. I hope you like her…or him….
If I have captured your imagination and you would like a piece like this for your garden remember Powertex is completely weather proof! The next opportunity to make this figure is on Saturday April 28th 2018.